Classic Sinatra II features some of the greatest songs the Chairman of the Board ever recorded. Spanning the years 1954 to 1961, this collection is the second volume of Classic Sinatra, which was released in 2000. Here is Sinatra in the height of his glory, singing well-loved hits such as “Something’s Gotta Give,” “(Love Is) The Tender Trap,” “High Hopes,” “Love and Marriage,” and “Love Is Here to Stay.” In addition to the recordings from Capitol Records releases, Classic Sinatra II includes a previously unreleased track: “This Can’t Be Love.”
As anyone who’s ever heard Sinatra knows, the man was a singular voice in popular music. He demonstrates mastery over the music as well as the emotion he’s conveying. I must tell you that I once positively drooled over Harry Connick, Jr. After listening to this collection, though, I realize that I was drooling over the wrong handsome man. Sinatra’s influence in terms of style and phrasing is evident to me, though I haven’t listened to Connick for a few years. If I can make this fairly superficial connection, it’s wondrous to imagine the kind of in-depth influence Frank Sinatra has had on popular music for the past five or six decades.
With a full complement of 21 signature recordings, this CD is sure to complete any collection. Everyone, after all, should pay homage to the master.
Reviewed by Adrin Fisher
